Body found in suitcase next to dumpster

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Phoenix, AZ (KPHO) — Phoenix police are investigating the discovery of a body inside a black suitcase behind a local business.

Area employees found the suitcase near a dumpster on the northeast corner of 16th Street and Bell Road at around 10:45 a.m.

“They saw it was out of place, opened it up and they saw what appears to be a human body inside the bag,” Phoenix police Sgt. Jonathan Howard said.

They called police. Officers looked into the bag and saw a human body, Howard said.

The victim’s age, gender and identity haven’t been released this early in the investigation. Howard said the body was that of an adult. It was too early to tell if there were any signs of trauma on the body.

“I’ve been a cop for 20 years plus and this is one of the very unusual ones,” Howard said. “It’s scary and sad that someone has the ability to take a human being and maybe stuff him into a suitcase and leave it next to a dumpster.”

The Maricopa County medical examiner picked up the suitcase and plans to perform an autopsy.

“We’re hoping there’s some video evidence that may be able to help us locate the suspects,” Howard said.